Geology of Mars Essay

1867 Words8 Pages

The global structure of Mars is well documented through viewings by scientists. However, without actually stepping foot on the planet, all we know of it is through observation. Due to this, the issue of plate tectonics on Mars is a contested issue. While scientists are sure that the core of Mars is not active, which means no plate tectonics; they cannot be sure that there was never a time when there were. Mars was formed by materials that were released by the early solar nebula. Mars’ core is 1,300-1,500 km in radius and is not active. The lack of movement by the core leads to a lack of a magnetic field on the planet, and a lack of plate tectonics. Mars was formed very quickly, and the amount of accretion led to global melting. This…show more content…

In addition, the crust of Mars contains more volatile elements such as sulfur and chlorine than Earth. One of the most striking features of Mars is the Martian Dichotomy, which is the stark difference in the topography of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The two hemispheres vary greatly, with differences in elevation of up to 3 kilometers. The Northern Hemisphere is relatively flat, with impact craters scattered about. However, once you venture into the Southern Hemisphere, it is drastically different. The Southern Hemisphere is extremely mountainous, with many valleys and peaks. It has a significantly higher elevation than the Northern Hemisphere, and is studded with impact craters. The crust is also significantly thicker in the Southern Hemisphere, with an average thickness of 58 kilometers in the Southern versus a 32 kilometer thickness in the Northern Hemisphere. There are several theories as to why the dichotomy exists, and why it is so stark. One such theory is the Single Impact Hypothesis. This theory says that early in the formation of the planet, Mars was hit with a large asteroid, which would have created a large depression. This depression would account for the stark differences in elevation between the two hemispheres. Scientists, however, have identified issues with this theory. The main detraction is that an impact of that size and magnitude would have left a circular impression on the planet. Most analysis of

Part 1 Earth's Mantle, Crust, etc. The physical geology of the earth consists of a Core (inner and outer), the mantle, the asthenosphere and the lithosphere. The inner core is primarily a solid ball about 70% the size of the moon and thought to consist of an iron-nickel alloy with a temperature about the same as the sun. The outer core is a liquid layer about 1500 mils thick that is composed of iron and nickel, just below the mantle. The mantle is divided into layers, and is a rocky shell surrounding…

simply a biological treasure; indeed the Galapagos Islands are among the best examples of some very important geologic theories and processes. While Darwin and the Beagle's five-week visit marked the first ever scientific study of both the ecology and geology of the Islands, they certainly would not be the last. From the science behind how they were formed in the first place, to the extrodinary evidence they present in favor of Continental Drift, Plate Tectonic Theory and the "Hot Spot" hypothesis the…

number of different functions. Scientists, using the base, will examine the environment of Mars and apply the planet’s unique characteristics to research problems. The base provides for developing in-situ resources. Additionally, an initial base permits technology development that will aid future surface bases in becoming more self-supporting and self-sufficient.
To ensure the safety of the pioneers of Mars, various hardware, part of the mission elements, that supports survival all while allowing…

Life on Mars
If life ever evolved on any of the other planets, Mars is the likeliest candidate. After Earth, Mars is the planet with the most hospitable climate in the solar system. So hospitable that it may once have inhabited primitive, bacteria-like life. Outflow channels and other geologic features provide extensive evidence that billions of years ago liquid water flowed on the surface of Mars. Continuing changes is an accomplishment in modern American technology and it gives the world a step…

Mars and the Earth
Geologists study the surface of both Mars and Earth by using interplanetary comparative analysis to further their understanding of the two planets. In some ways, Mars resembles Earth. Features on Mars such as an atmosphere, a wind-modified surface, near-surface water, volcanism, seasons, ice caps, dust storms, and channels can be found on Earth as well, albeit slightly different in origination or intensity. Despite their similarities, their differences are profound.…

Geology - Earth Sciences
1. What is the commonly accepted age of Earth?
a) 4.6 Billion years
2. Which of the following was not a source of heat for the early Earth?
a) hydrothermal energy
3. What are small asteroids called?
a) meteoroids
4. What is the process by which a planet becomes internally zoned when heavy materials toward its center and lighter materials accumulate near its surface?
a) Diffentiation
5. Where is most of the North American Precambrian shield…

sitting comfortably in your hands? In the song “When I was your Man” by Bruno Mars, he expresses his regret of putting aside a loyal woman. Serving him as a lesson learned, he found the true meaning of appreciation of a good woman. Bruno Mars expresses the consequences of his decisions. Unfortunately, his choices threw away an opportunity that was standing at his door step. This song conveys situations in which Bruno Mars could have done more than he did. Throughout “When I was your Man,” he is continually…

global structure of Mars is well documented through viewings by scientists. However, without actually stepping foot on the planet, all we know of it is through observation. Due to this, the issue of plate tectonics on Mars is a contested issue. While scientists are sure that the core of Mars is not active, which means no plate tectonics; they cannot be sure that there was never a time when there were.
Mars was formed by materials that were released by the early solar nebula. Mars’ core is 1,300-1…

World, and it is home to some of North America’s most revered animals. Without the conservation efforts that have taken place there, some of these geothermal features and animals may have been lost forever. The continued study of Yellowstone’s geology is important due to the potential of its volcano to affect a large portion of the United States and possibly even the World. It is easy to see why Yellowstone was named the World’s first National Park. It is among the most spectacular places in…